I just bought a '06 5 speed and love it. Yesterday, I noticed a small black box with a glowing red LED in the top right corner of the engine compartment. Getting closer (a bomb!?) I read:

Final Coat Command Module 2000.

A quick internet search revealed it to be a rust protection system. I had heard about these sorts of systems, and did not find them to be well reviewed for their intended purpose. I contacted the company, who will reply to me regarding any transferred warranty.

So -- when I sold my house I included this black box with a blinking light. The purchaser asked me what it was for. I told him it prevented elephants from stampeding through the house and wrecking it. Skepticly he asked "does it really work?". My answer was that it absolutely worked. "I've lived in this house in New York for 40 years and I never had elephants stampede through it."
PT said it best -- there's one born every minute.

There are Cathodic Protection systems out there in Industry. Pools have them, Oil and gas industries use them to protect pipes from corroding, Water Treatment plants have them. I am sure the possibility of vehicles having them exists. Just because we have not heard of them nor have we tested them does not mean they don't exist nor do they work. I personally would not buy one because of where I live but I would not poo poo the idea of testing one in a wetter climate if it would prevent massive rust failures. New cars may not need them because of the rust protection on them but an older car might benefit if moving to a wet climate. (If they work).

Acctually I have worked with cathodic systems for many years in the marine industry where they ALL rely on sacrificial elements. The key to a cathodic system working is that EVERY metal member must be bonded together. On a boat that is easy with cables connected to every part that is exposed to the water. On a car it is much more difficult since joints and hinges do not have inherently good grounds. The same holds true for RF interference reduction (which is my real field). Another missing piece is that you don't get something for nothing. The electrolysis can't go away it can just be redirected to some place easier to "rust", hence the sacrificial element. Unless there is a way to separate layers of paint and have them interact I find it hard to believe that a black box with a flashing light will do anything more than scare away the elephants.
-M-
Today's Thought: When birds fly in the right formation, they need only exert half the effort. Thus, even in nature, teamwork results in collective laziness.

You are absolutely right. A box with a blinking red light will do absolutely nothing but lighten the wallet. I am not going to make the assumption that someone did not go through the vehicle and install ground straps to as many metal frame connections that they could. Nor will I make the assumption that a sacrificial anode was not installed. I think it is up to the OP to find a name on said box, do some research and find out what was or was not installed on the vehicle. He should also trace any wires that go from the box. My point is people are so quick to tell people on this and many other forums that something is a hoax or snakeoil without at least checking the item out. No, this does count the ones that have been tested or researched out. I.E Turbonator, Tornado, Fuel line magnets and others.

I just found four small rust spots on the hood of the truck, all from stone chips. I am having the hood painted, and working on the scratches with a highly rated Quixx scratch repair system. I assume that the anti-rust module failed. I will have it removed when I have the time. Still love this truck.

I just found four small rust spots on the hood of the truck, all from stone chips. I am having the hood painted, and working on the scratches with a highly rated Quixx scratch repair system. I assume that the anti-rust module failed. I will have it removed when I have the time. Still love this truck.

Chris

AS Larry the Cable Guy said "Git R Done"
AS Bill Evengel said "Theres ya sign!"
AS Jeff Foxworthy said "Y'all might be rednecks!"
AS Ron White said "Call me tater salad, Get me another scotch, and let me just sit here and relax and watch you FOOLS!"